Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Iowa
Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa earn a median of $21,000 a year, −40% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $21,000
- vs. U.S. median
- −40% ($35,230)
- Rank among states
- 47 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 22,410
Pay range in Iowa
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $15,080; the top 10% earn over $47,980. Nationally the range is $18,100 to $64,720.
States ranked near Iowa
Similar jobs in Iowa
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$28,210 median in Iowa
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$25,720 median in Iowa
- Bartenders$21,720 median in Iowa
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,390 median in Iowa
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$30,110 median in Iowa
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$28,210 median in Iowa
Waiters and Waitresses pay in Iowa
How much do waiters and waitresses make in Iowa?
The median is $21,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $15,080 and the top 10% earn over $47,980. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Iowa a good state for waiters and waitresses?
On pay alone it ranks 47 of 51 (−40% vs. the national median of $35,230). Living costs are not included.